High schoolers kick off model UN conference

A conference bringing together more than 2,100 high school students kicked off today at United Nations Headquarters in New York in an effort to broaden the youngster's understanding of global issues and the role of the UN.

The High School Model UN Conference, through simulations of the UN's major committees and roles of delegates, is designed to give the students first hand experience of the world body's proceedings.

Ambassadors Richard Williamson and Patrick Kennedy from the United States Mission to the UN were scheduled to address the opening session this evening. The conference, comprising students across the United States and several other countries, will run until Saturday.